Name
Albert Percy Hoye
Circa 1888
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
20/11/1917
29
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
41937
West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)
2/6th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
SAINS-LES-MARQUION BRITISH CEMETERY
II. E. 6.
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Hitchin Town Memorial, St Mary's Church Roll of Honour, Hitchin
Pre War
Albert Percy Hoye was born in 1879 or 1888 in Hitchin and his parents were Albert Arundel and Elizabeth Hoye (née Atkin). They married in St John’s Church, Upper Holloway: Pemberton Gardens, Islington on 25 March 1887.
In 1891 the family were living at 3 Bedford Road (a public house), Hitchin. Present were both parents: Albert (27) and Elizabeth (25), with the father working as a brewer and beerhouse keeper. Their only child was Albert Percy Hoye who was 3. Also present was Richard Atkin (28) a brother-in-law.
In 1901 the family were living at Grove Road, Hitchin. Present were both parents were still present, with Albert (senior) listed as a retired brewer. Albert (junior) now had new siblings: Violet (9), Mabel (8). Amelia (4) and Robert (3).
Albert (junior) married Kate Gladys Smith (b 25/4/1888) in 1908.
By 1911 he and Kate were living at 61 Bunyan Road, Hitchin. Present were both parents Albert (23) and Kate (22), Albert was working as a plumber. The census recorded they had been married for 3 years with 1 child. That child was Albert Arundel (2 - b 5/2/1909). Later that year a second child was born, Gladys Elizabeth (b 24/8/1911).
Albert was called for conscription, but his employer Mr Weston of Letchworth – a builder and decorator. Albert was working for him as plumber and gas and hot water fitter. Appealed to the Letchworth Appeals Tribunal, but this was refused.
Officially he was recorded as born in Hitchin and attested there.
Wartime Service
Initially he was number M/282612 in the Royal Army Service Corps but later was posted as 41937 to the 2/6th Battalion of the West Yorks Regiment which was part of the 185th Brigade of the 62nd Division, IV Corps in the 3rd Army. He was killed in action in France.
The day of his death coincides with the opening day of the Battle of Cambrai and the Battalion was in the vicinity of Havrincourt on both sides of the Bapaume to Cambrai road.
The 185th Brigade was commanded by Brigadier General the Viscount Hampden later Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire. They were opposite the Havrincourt Salient. The 2/6th West Yorks had difficulty in clearing the outpost zone as it had not been shelled due to the proximity of the British lines. Also the tree stumps and fallen trunks in the eastern arm of Havrincourt Wood south east of Havrincourt village made it difficult for tanks. Nevertheless, the Battalion stormed the Hindenburg front trenches and entered Havrincourt from the east. Tanks arrived to help and by 10.15am all resistance in the village had been quelled. The Battalion lost 7 officers and 150 other ranks.
He is buried in Plot 2, Row E, Grave 6 in the Sains-les-Marquion British Cemetery in France.
Additional Information
After his death £5 3s 9d was authorised to go to his widow, Kate Gladys on 29 May 1918. Later, a war gratuity of £3 was authorised to be paid to her on 25 November 1919.
His pension cards record Kate Gladys as his widow and dependant, living at 4 Bedford Road, Hitchin. She was awarded a grant of £5, paid 31 January 1918 and a pension of 25s 5d a week from 8 July 1918. It also names two children: Albert Arundel (b 5/2/1909) and Gladys Elizabeth (b 24/8/1911).
Probate was given to his widow on 26 April 1918 and the value of Albert’s effects was £1221 11s 9d.
His widow later remarried becoming Mrs Wootten.
Acknowledgments
Adrian Dunne, David C Baines, Jonty Wild
